LeBron James will begin his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers against the defending NBA champion New York Knicks when the 2026-27 regular season opens Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden. The nationally televised game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT on NBC and Peacock and will be part of a three-game opening-day lineup.
The matchup gives New York the spotlight for its championship celebration, with the Knicks expected to receive their rings and raise their first title banner since 1973 before facing one of the Eastern Conference’s most revamped teams. New York won its first championship in 53 years last season, while Philadelphia enters the new campaign with James and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
For James, the game marks his first appearance in a 76ers uniform after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old four-time champion agreed to a two-year contract with Philadelphia that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. James, who is entering his 24th NBA season, has made clear that another championship remains a central goal as he begins the latest chapter of his career.
The opening night schedule will begin with the Boston Celtics visiting the Detroit Pistons at 3 p.m. EDT before Philadelphia-New York takes center stage. The night will conclude with the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals. The NBA also announced a five-game Christmas Day slate that includes James returning to Los Angeles when the 76ers visit the Lakers.
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